This will be my 3rd time presenting a three-day masterclass in Paris. The attendees are a combination of screenwriters, TV writers, producers, novelists, documentary filmmakers. The response to my presentations has been strong, hence, being invited back.

There are four 75-90 minute sessions each of the three days. The Day One sessions expand on the content of my book The Protagonist's Journey. But at their request, Day Two and Day Three are craft specific.

Day Two

• How to Generate, Assess, and Develop Story Concepts

• Character Development Keys

• Craft a Compelling Protagonist

• Write a Worthy Nemesis

• The Importance of Subplots

• Theme: What Is It, How to Find It, and How to Use It to Enrich Your Story

Day Three

• Effective Character Introductions

• Handling Exposition

• Scene Description as Narrative Voice

• Scene-Writing Keys

• Dialogue-Writing Keys

• So-Called Screenwriting "Rules"

They really want to learn about contemporary Hollywood screenwriting. Perhaps it's because France is the home of the auteur theory of filmmaking, where the director is the "author" of the story, the craft of screenwriting has historically had a diminished position in the filmmaking process. A reflection of this state is how for a long time, they divided many screenwriting credits into scenarist and dialogue.

They have tried to establish something like the Writers Guild of America, but with little luck. My general impression when talking with attendees is that they think screenwriting in film is not very good in France. Hence, their interest in learning how Hollywood approaches screenwriting in today's world.

That's just my sense of it based on two previous trips. I've been watching more French movies the last few years and I've seen some good storytelling. Plus, some of my favorite movies of all time are French such as Jean de Florette and Manon des sources.

I'll be interested to see how this three-day event turns out.